Where we look, and what we look for are important because we find what we look for!
Where are we looking?
An important aspect of being wise is knowing what to pursue. The discernment that flows out of knowing wisdom instructs us on what we should pursue in life.
According to Proverbs 21.21, our desire for a deep relationship with God produces great mercy in our life. Following after right-standing with God, through faith – see Genesis 15.6, allows us to find just that – a personal relationship with God. Along with that right-standing comes life and influence. Thus, our life of faith produces inner and outer abundance.
Pursuit of Godliness brings multiplied blessings into our life. Proverbs 21.21 paraphrase, proverbsforprofessionals.net
What do we find?
Actually, reverence toward God, and mercy toward others, bring influence, as described in Proverbs 3.4 and here in 21.21. In fact, we find (Hebrew Matsa) blessings by living with intention, thus by seeking to grow.
But, what do we find in life when we live intentionally? Here are some examples from Proverbs of what we find:
1). “…find favor…good…” Proverbs 3.4, 16.20, 18.22, and 19.8
2). “…find wisdom…” 3.13 and 8.17
3). “…life…health…” 4.22 and 21.21
4). “…find life…favor of the Lord” 8.35 and 18.22
5). “…reward…expectation…” 24.14, thus hope and fulfillment.
As such, Seek/Find parallels Sow/Reap as we live intentionally.
In Proverbs 21.21 “…follow after…” is often translated “pursue”, as in Proverbs 28.1. In short, we find what we choose to pursue in life! When we pursue good we find an abundant life! Conversely, when we pursue evil, the consequences can be fatal, Proverbs 11.19! Worse yet, evil may pursue us, Proverbs 13.21.
From Proverbs 21.5 we learn that the thoughts, hence plans or strategies, of a decisive person bring abundance. An abundance mindset produces an abundant life! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Apply This Today!
Seek/Find works to our good when we pursue that which is good for us.
Pursuing implies we’re engaged with life, hence we’re living with intention as guided by clarity of life purpose.
But, pursuing also implies we have the discretion to follow after that which is good for us.
A Question to Consider
What criteria do you use to determine if you’re living by default or living with intention?
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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